Each January, the deacons in their final year of formation take a pilgrimage with Fr. Charles Samson, Assistant Professor of Biblical Theology. Unrest in the Middle East has necessitated a pivot to the pilgrimage which has traditionally taken place in the Holy Land. As we pray for peace, the Class of 2026 plans to travel to Greece and Turkey on an Apostolic Pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul.

On this pilgrimage, the deacons will visit places to which Paul wrote Letters, and where he himself visited in person, to found communities of Christian faith. The deacons will read and study his letters to better catch and appreciate the impact, heart, and apostolic boldness of the Apostle. They will investigate, reflect, and discuss how they can imitate the apostle in their own preaching and ministry in their parishes. “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). 

Throughout their spiritual journey, Fr. Samson will emphasize Apostolic preaching and encourage the deacons grow in the love of their priesthood and identity as future ministers to their parish families. This pilgrimage will serve as a capstone course for the seminarians’ training in evangelization. 

Donations help provide airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, tickets to numerous pilgrimage sites, and more.

How Can I Help?

• Convivium: Guests at the annual Convivium Dinner Auction have the opportunity to donate to the Holy Land Experience during the Fund-A-Need.
• Sponsorships: Friends of the Seminary are invited to prayerfully consider financially sponsoring the seminarians’ pilgrimage with a gift online or a check by mail: